S.A.’s WOAI joyous over Leno as news lead-in

Though some may grumble over Jay Leno’s new prime time deal with NBC — saying it’s an affront to “Tonight” successor Conan — San Antonio’s NBC affiliate is all smiles.

WOAI General Manager Jackie Rutledge said she and others at the station have high hopes that Jay’s new five-night-a-week show would provide a strong lead-in to the station’s 10 p.m. news.

Leno is quoted as saying his new show, slated to air at 9 p.m. Monday-Friday, starting next fall, will feature “Tonight Show” staples such as a monologue, man-on-the street bits, headlines and star guest shots.

It definitely will be cost saving for NBC — Jay himself will be the main expense — but will viewers go for essentially another “Tonight” in prime time?

“We’re excited about it,” WOAI boss Rutledge said of the announcement, adding she likes the fact the show will be “new and different,” and something other than your usual “high drama” at 9 p.m.

“People are ready for something different, entertainment rather than just another drama,” she added. “Look how well ‘Dancing with the Stars’ does on ABC.”

I’ve heard from others, however — particularly Conan O’Brien fans — who think the move is a slap in the face to Conan. “He finally moved up to ‘Tonight’ only to have to take a backseat to Jay again,” growled caller Adam Bailey.

Another viewer wondered if Conan would have to take leftovers in regards to celebrity guests.

One thing’s certain. NBC needs something to lift it out of the ratings hole. Latest November sweeps had the network coming in fourth nationally in prime-time — behind CBS, ABC and Fox — and fifth in the S.A. market behind Fox. (Univision finishes second here in prime time, between No. 1 CBS and very close third ABC.)

Is Jay the answer? He doesn’t exactly whip up on the competition here at 10:35 weeknights. November ratings had him neck and neck with David Letterman at 10:35 p.m. with a seven share of local TVs tuned in at that time.